Chongqing drives global expansion in emerging industries

Changan Automobile has announced its European market entry initiatives, pledging to launch eight models over the next three years. This announcement follows the company’s 49.6 percent export sales surge last year. 

Changan announces its European market entry initiatives. [Photo provided to english.liangjiang.gov.cn] 

As China's automotive manufacturing hub, Chongqing has emerged as a top vehicle exporter powered by industrial innovation clusters. Customs data shows the city exported 477,000 vehicles in 2024, up 29.6 percent year-on-year, with its export value climbing 30 percent to 43.11 billion yuan ($5.93 billion). 

Avatr, a new energy vehicle brand headquartered in Liangjiang New Area, is organizing an engineering team of more than 300 professionals to develop its next model. To enhance competitiveness, the brand combines expertise from Changan, Huawei, and CATL — each a leader in their respective fields. 

"This integrated approach boosts both product quality and brand appeal," said Chen Zhuo, president of Avatr. The company aims to expand to 50 countries and regions this year following its entry into the ASEAN, Commonwealth of Independent States, Middle East and Africa, and Latin American markets in 2024.

Chongqing is also advancing cutting-edge sectors. BMF Precision Tech, based in Liangjiang, has developed the world's first 3D-printed dental veneers, which are three times thinner than traditional versions and allow for a more accurate, aesthetically pleasing veneer solution.

 

BMF Precision Tech in Liangjiang Collaborative Innovation Zone. [Photo by Lan Tian] 

Strategic emerging industries such as high-end equipment, new materials, and biomedicine accounted for 34.6 percent of Chongqing's industrial added value in 2024. The city now hosts 8,800 high-tech firms and 69,000 tech enterprises.

The development of emerging industries requires joint efforts to foster an enabling industrial ecosystem and integrate talent, capital, and technology resources.

Liangjiang, a key economic engine in Chongqing, has established a 200 billion yuan venture capital system to fuel innovation in advanced materials and life sciences sectors. With over 200 fund institutions and Western China's first Financial Asset Investment Companies (AIC) pilot equity fund, the area uses financial means to accelerate industrial growth. 

An official from the Chongqing Economy and Information Technology Commission said the city is prioritizing technological innovation and digital transformation to drive qualitative and quantitative industrial growth.